UmRio was founded on the belief that opportunity should not be dictated by the lottery of birth. Our founder’s story is not one of overcoming structural disadvantage, but rather of recognising the privileges he was afforded – and the responsibility that comes with them.
Born in London to a British father and Brazilian mother, our founder, Robert Malengreau, grew up between two worlds. While his family provided unwavering support, his early years were marked by intense challenges.
Diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia at a time when schools offered little understanding or accommodation, he endured severe bullying, often from teachers themselves. For over a decade, he believed he lacked the ability to succeed – a belief slowly undone through support from the people around him and the unexpected confidence he discovered on the rugby pitch.
Rugby became more than a sport. It was a sanctuary, a place of belonging and self-worth, where friendships and trust helped rebuild his self-esteem. This sense of community and acceptance was pivotal and transformative. It was also a guiding force behind the philosophy that would later shape UmRio.
Academically, Robert pursued his passion for social justice and public policy across numerous continents, earning degrees from Royal Holloway, University of London; the University of California, Irvine; and, eventually, Oxford University.
At Oxford, while researching social policy in Rio’s favelas, he became increasingly aware of the disconnect between decision-makers and the communities they aim to provide for. This reinforced a conviction that meaningful change requires giving and empowering the voices of those that interventions intend to serve.
In founding UmRio in 2013, Robert sought to create a supportive environment where young people’s needs are heard and their potential is nurtured.
By centering the voices of youth and leveraging sport as a catalyst for change, UmRio began as a rugby programme but quickly evolved into a multifaceted and integrated model offering access to education, employability, and healthcare services.What started as on the pitch became a platform – one that uplifts young people living below the poverty line and helps them build brighter futures.
Today, UmRio is more than an organisation. It is a family, a place where young people can feel seen, supported, and empowered to shape their own paths, rather than have their circumstances define it for them.
Consolidation of rugby as an entry-point and interface to ascertain the need of youth in the Morro do Castro favela.
Launch of employability programme, which uses a kinaesthetic approach to learning.
Launch of first healthcare programme through a university partnership with UERJ
(State University of Rio de Janeiro) Dentistry Department.
Launch of first education programme in the UmRio English programme.
Launch of Prep course for university entrance exams as well as educational support programme.
Launch of educational exchange programme with Oxford and Cambridge Universities, Project Blue.
Launch of UmRio’s Social Services programme.
Adjustment of Theory of Change to meet new needs caused by COVID-19 pandemic.
Total 5-Pillar Development Model in motion in Morro do Castro.
UmRio reverses school abandonment rates in hardest hit schools in Niterói.
UmRio begins operating in 4 new schools across the city of Niterói and partners with the Ministry of Health to support the most vulnerable families in Morro do Castro through social assistance.
UmRio operating in 6 schools across the city of Niteroi.
UmRio is a registered charity in Brazil (CNPJ: 22.075.882/0001-97). Donations in Brazil are tax deductible through Lei de Incentivo ao Esporte.
Donations from UK taxpayers can be made through OneRio, a UK-registered charity (Charity No. 1172036) eligible to claim Gift Aid.
OneRio supports UmRio’s charitable programmes through grant funding, strategic advice and governance oversight.
